More than just fun 'n' games. They can be a social experience – in a single room or over the Internet. For some families, they can be a way to get together. They're also an evolving art form, like film. And research has shown that many games can be learning tools – for math, probability, economics, strategic thinking, negotiation, and other skills – which is why some educators use them in their classrooms.
Families that play together.... Parents,
playing videogames with your kids is a great way to understand gaming
and watch their interests and development. A common interest also makes
for great family discussions and casual conversations.
Ratings are helpful. Pay attention to the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s videogame ratings at ESRB.org,
both the age rating (like E for Everyone, T for Teen and M for Mature)
and content descriptors (like “Suggestive Themes,” “Language” or
“Violence”). Remember, some children can handle games rated above their
age group, others can’t. Age ratings are guidelines – the final decision
is up to you.
Preview the game. If
after checking the ratings, you’re still not sure if a game is
appropriate, there are a ton of resources you can consult on the
Internet. WhatTheyPlay.com and CommonSenseMedia.org provide game reviews
that are written specifically from a parent’s perspective.
Tweak the safety settings.
All handheld devices and game consoles have helpful safety settings
that families will want to go over together. Parental control options on
gaming devices include: pre-approving friend requests to play online,
controlling the types of games that can be played, disabling Internet
access, and limiting the duration or time of day that a child can play.
Trash talk's a reality.
It may not be pretty, some of it could be abusive, but it's not
necessarily all bad. Just like there's trash talk on the football field,
it happens in games and virtual worlds, too. Most games today can be
played online, communicating with other players via text chat, talk, or
Webcam video, Parents, check in on what happens in videogame play, but
know that aggressive and “colorful” language isn’t necessarily hurtful.
If your child is being harassed online, be sure he or she knows how to
deal with it. Often players can block harassers or report them to the
game’s publisher.
A balanced (activity) diet is good. What really isn't good is excessive
gaming. Some gaming devices have password-protected settings that
parents can use to limit how long and when kids can play. Tech controls
can be very helpful, but a focus on values more than rules and talking
with your kids are usually the best approach in parenting gamers and all
online kids.
Don't hurt yourself! Be
aware of how gaming affects players – from sleep patterns to repetitive
stress injuries to the chance of hurting people or the furniture with
those fast-moving controllers in gamers' hands. Eat, sleep, and take
breaks (but don't eat too much)!
Consoles play more than games.
Some videogame consoles can be used to watch DVDs, stream movies and
other video content, surf the Web and communicate. Be aware of game
devices' capabilities and their built-in parental controls. When gaming
connects to the Net and gamer communities, all your family's regular
online-safety rules should apply.
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